Tomato plants, especially indeterminate varieties, produce heavy loads of fruit and can grow to heights of six feet or more, making physical support necessary for a successful harvest. Left unsupported, stems sprawl across the ground, increasing the fruit’s exposure to pests, rot, and soil-borne diseases like blight. String offers a flexible, cost-effective solution for vertical support, keeping foliage off the soil and improving air circulation. This method concentrates the plant’s energy on fruit production and allows for easier access during harvesting and pruning.
Essential Materials and Timing
Selecting the correct string and support structure is the first step toward successful vertical gardening. The best material for tying is a soft, thick twine, such as jute, hemp, or sisal, which will not cut into the delicate stem tissue. Natural fibers are preferred because they are biodegradable, simplifying garden cleanup at the end of the season. Thin nylon or fishing line should be avoided, as these materials can easily damage the stem as it thickens.
The support structure, whether a single stake, a trellis, or an overhead wire system, must be in place before the plant requires it. For single staking, a sturdy wooden or metal post should be driven into the soil a few inches from the plant’s base immediately after transplanting. Tying should begin when the plant is young, typically around 12 to 18 inches tall, or when the first flower clusters appear. Starting early prevents the plant from flopping over and allows the stem to grow accustomed to the vertical orientation.
Step-by-Step Tying Techniques
The technique for securing the plant depends on the type of support used, with single stakes and woven trellis systems being the two main approaches. For a single stake, the goal is to create a secure attachment to the stake while leaving a loose loop around the stem to accommodate future growth. The most effective method is the figure-eight tie, which uses the support in the middle of the “eight” to create a buffer between the stem and the post.
To execute the figure-eight, first tie one end of the string in a secure knot directly around the stake, ensuring it will not slide down. Next, bring the twine across the gap to the tomato stem, loop it loosely around the stem, and then cross back over to the stake to complete the figure-eight pattern. The final step is to tie the loose end of the string securely to itself or to the stake again, ensuring the loop around the stem is wide enough to accommodate growth. As the plant grows taller, new ties should be added every six to eight inches, ideally just beneath a strong leaf node for added stability.
Florida Weave (Basket Weave)
For row crops or multiple plants, the “Florida weave,” or basket weave, is a highly efficient technique that uses a continuous string between a series of sturdy posts. This method involves driving tall stakes, such as T-posts or wooden posts, into the ground every two to three plants along the row. To begin the weave, tie the string to an end post about eight inches above the ground, then run the string along one side of the plants to the next post, looping tightly around the post to maintain tension.
The string is then run back along the opposite side, effectively sandwiching the stems between two parallel lines of twine. This process is repeated at the end post and continued down the row, with new, taut strings added every six to eight inches as the plants gain height. This woven cradle supports the entire row laterally, relying on the plants leaning against the string rather than a direct tie to the main stem. The tension of the weave keeps the plants upright and contained, which is beneficial for large-scale or indeterminate varieties.
Preventing Damage to Tomato Stems
The primary risk when tying tomato plants is girdling, which occurs when the tie constricts the stem as it expands, interrupting the flow of water and nutrients. To prevent this, the string loop around the stem must be intentionally loose, providing ample space for the stem to thicken. A tie that feels snug on the day of application will inevitably become a damaging tourniquet within a few weeks.
Proper placement of the tie is important; securing the string just below a sturdy leaf node provides a natural anchor point that prevents the stem from slipping. Regularly inspecting the ties is a necessary maintenance task, especially for rapidly growing plants, as the stem’s circumference can increase quickly. If any string appears to be digging into the stem, it should be immediately loosened or replaced to ensure unhindered transport of resources.